According to multiple reports, the film ends in 1988, omitting the child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson. Scenes addressing the allegations were originally filmed but cut due to a legal clause in a settlement with Jordan Chandler, major media outlets reported. Director Antoine Fuqua told HuffPost UK he is 'not convinced' of the allegations.
Meanwhile, Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed told Ilta-Sanomat that Michael Jackson sexually abused young boys and criticized the film for ignoring the abuse. The film underwent 22 days of reshoots costing between $10 million and $15 million, with an estimated budget of $200 million, according to multiple reports. Despite the high cost, the film had the biggest opening weekend for a biopic ever, major media outlets reported.
With the same integrity. If that was to happen, you try to tell the truth as you know it, and to do it with integrity. And, you know, you don't want to sensationalise anything.
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson distanced herself from the film, stating on social media that she read an early draft and gave notes about what was dishonest, but when they weren't addressed, she moved on. His sister Janet Jackson did not participate in the film and is not featured as a character, according to multiple reports. However, other family members defended the film.
Taj Jackson said on social media that critics don't 'get to control the narrative anymore' about who Michael Jackson was. Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, told The Independent - Main that the film is about 'the making of Michael' and that a sequel could address later events. The film stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson as the singer, according to multiple reports.
How can you tell a truthful story about Michael Jackson without mentioning at all the fact that he has been accused of child abuse? I don't understand. If anyone is making money here, it's the Jackson estate and the people who made this biopic.
A sequel to 'Michael' is possible, according to cast and crew, as reported by major media outlets. The biopic's production was notably troubled, with the extensive reshoots reportedly needed to address narrative issues and legal constraints. The decision to end the story in 1988 has been a focal point of criticism, as it avoids the controversies that later engulfed Jackson's life.
Fuqua's comments have drawn both support and backlash, while Reed's remarks underscore the ongoing debate over Jackson's legacy. The audience score suggests a strong fanbase willing to overlook critical panning, while the family's mixed reactions reflect internal divisions. Domingo's defense hints at a broader narrative strategy, potentially setting up a sequel that could tackle the allegations directly.
People don't care that he is a child abuser. Literally. People just don't care.
The casting of Jaafar Jackson has been praised for its authenticity, given the familial resemblance and his performance. The film's financial stakes are high, with the budget making it one of the most expensive biopics ever, and its opening weekend success indicates strong initial interest despite the controversies.
And because there is no actual video material of Michael Jackson having sex with a 7-year-old child, I don't know what would be enough to change these people's minds.
That I have never understood. 'You didn't have a childhood, so you have to sleep alone with a little boy who is not your child.'
So they just completely ignore the fact that this guy was worse than Jeffrey Epstein.
The fact is, pedophiles exist, he [Jackson] was one of them and he made those choices. Many people who were abused as children have not chosen to abuse others.
Sorry media, u don't get to control the narrative anymore of who Michael Jackson truly was. The public gets to watch this movie, they will decide for themselves. And you can't handle that.
Can't wait till some critics have to eat crow. And yes I will be that petty.
I shot [Michael] being stripped naked, treated like an animal, a monster.
The film takes place from the '60s to 1988, so it does not go into the first allegations in, what, 2005? Basically, we centre it on the makings of Michael. It's an intimate portrait of who Michael is.
Don't be telling people I was 'helpful' on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in lol that is so weird. I read one of the first drafts of the script and gave my notes about what was dishonest / didn't sit right with me, and when they didn't address it, I moved on with my life. Not my monkeys, not my circus. God bless and God speed.
The narrative is being controlled and there's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of just full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it.